Tag Archives: Africa

What’s cooking: Lentil soup and menemen

Posted on February 3, 2017 by elliewick

As a Peace Corps Volunteer in Swaziland, I have a limited food budget. But I also love food–both eating and making it. During PST, I cooked without an oven, refrigeration, and a non-stick skillet. Now at my permanent site, I … Continue reading →

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Homestead hospitality in Swaziland

Posted on February 2, 2017 by elliewick

Within the last month, other PCVs in Swaziland finally started visiting my site to see the little slice of heaven where I live. Not only has this given me the opportunity to play host, but my make loves it too. … Continue reading →

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Wednesday photo: Book club

Posted on February 1, 2017 by elliewick

My group here in Swaziland started a book club in September but it took until January to have our first meeting. It was a grand success with nine volunteers travelling to my community for our first discussion. We have picked … Continue reading →

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Dreams and hope in Swaziland

Posted on January 29, 2017 by elliewick

“Start doing things you love” is one of my favorite lines from the Holstee Manifesto.   It is one of the reasons why I am here in Swaziland in the first place. When I graduated with an MPH, I really … Continue reading →

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Wednesday photo: Pin the tail on the elephant 

Posted on January 25, 2017 by elliewick

In December I helped a vacation bible school plan a fun day. I helped organize some carny games that the children really enjoyed.  My favorite game was pin the tail on the elephant, which I made myself.     We also … Continue reading →

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The chicken diaries: The first day of freedom

Posted on January 22, 2017 by elliewick

I became a parent to two chickens I named Sitfwatfwa (snow) and Thandi (love) in January 2017. This is their story.  My chickens were released from time out thanks to Thandi’s escape tactics.  I had just removed the jerry can … Continue reading →

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What’s in a Swati name?

Posted on January 21, 2017 by elliewick

Sisi, greet this person. Sisi, greet this person. Sisi, greet this person. I was receiving a tour of my soon-to-be home and community from my eldest sisi, and she wanted to make sure I made a good impression that day. … Continue reading →

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The chicken diaries: Time out

Posted on January 20, 2017 by elliewick

I became a parent to two chickens I named Sitfwatfwa (snow) and Thandi (love) in January 2017. This is their story.  My chickens spent a week in time out because of their flight risk. Apparently, chickens just want to go … Continue reading →

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Wednesday photo: Me and my chickens

Posted on January 18, 2017 by elliewick

I told my tutor that I wished someone who lived near us sold eggs. A few days later, she showed up at my house saying she bought me chickens.  My response was something like, “Uh, I don’t know how to … Continue reading →

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There’s more to me and America than what Swazis know from TV

Posted on January 14, 2017 by elliewick

We are all guilty of knowing and assuming a single story about a group of people, their homeland, and their culture and traditions. Before coming to Swaziland, I knew very little about this tiny country in southern Africa. I knew … Continue reading →

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